Clinical characteristics and determinants of glycaemic control among type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients in Fiji

Abstract

Background Diabetes is a global health problem reaching pandemic proportions. In Fiji, diabetes has a prevalence rate of 15.6% in 2011which is estimated to rise to 19.3% in 2020. The aim of this study was to determine the proportion of poor glycaemic control level and its determinants among type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. Methods This retrospective study was conducted in three selected health centres in Suva, Fiji with the following inclusion criteria: adult T2DM ≥ 18 years old registered during 2011 to 2016; on treatment for > 1year; had > 4 clinic visits and; had a recent HbA1c result in 2017. Logistic regression analysis was performed and p < 0.05 considered as significant. Results There were 200 female (59.2%) and 138 male (40.8%) T2DM patients in this study with a mean age of 56.5 years (SD = ± 9.9). Most of T2DM patients have poorly controlled random blood sugar (RBS), 67.1% and fasting blood sugar (FBS), 63.0%. Two-thirds (65.4%) had associated medical conditions. The proportion of poor glycaemic control (HbA1c < 7%) was 77.2%. Mean HbA1c was 8.6% (± 2.04). RBS, FBS, cholesterol, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were significant (p < 0.05) determinants of poor glycaemic control. Conclusions Health care workers dealing with T2DM patients should consider the clinical determinants of poor glycaemic control for a more effective diabetes management.